Roger Godberd

rdf:langString Roger Godberd

rdf:langString Roger Godberd was a medieval outlaw who has been suggested as a possible historical basis for the legend of Robin Hood. Some have suggested his life was the inspiration for the story of Robin Hood but there is no solid proof to back this claim up. Roger Godberd’s criminal history is used as a comparison against Robin Hood with small details that align with the famous story. He lived during the 13th century in England around the Leicestershire area and traveled throughout England as an outlaw committing crimes with a group of bandits. Roger lived in a time when there was criticism towards King Henry III and King Edward I for leaving the royal finances in disarray and taxing the towns people which made many unhappy. King Henry III's reign has been associated with stories of outlawry and is seen as a more plausible time for the ballads of Robin Hood. King Henry III's reign led to the seize of power by Simon de Montfort, a baron that Roger Godberd served under until Simon was killed in battle in 1265. Roger Godberd has been thought to be Robin Hood for various reasons including the similarities the two share in the battles they fought in and in the ways they committed their crimes. There is no definite proof that Roger Godberd is the original Robin Hood but evidence has been connected to dig deeper into Roger Godberd and Robin Hood lives and how they were similar. The nick name or surname 'Robinhood' appeared before the end of the 13th century resulting in the name 'Hood' to be common and combined with names like Robert Hood. The stories of Robin Hood themselves provide little detail to connect with real life people or events. This does not mean that the stories were not based on a real person, rather that whoever was the real Robin Hood was not a person of standing in the public eye.